The strong links between Chopard and various motorsport themed competitions can all mostly be credited to their co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and his passion for mechanical engineering. The most popular series in their catalogue is the “Mille Miglia” collection, but today we’re here to focus on two new “Grand Prix de Monaco Historique” models.

Since 2002 Chopard has been the official timekeeper of the prestigious “Grand Prix de Monaco Historique” races. Despite the “historique” in its title this event has a fairly short history, having held its first race in 1997, followed by another in 2000 and from there on it has become an event occurring within two year intervals. So, Chopard has sponsored almost every single one of these races since its inception, as it currently enter it’s 11th edition.

Image courtesy of: Chopard

The 44.5mm case for these watches is available in two versions of: beaded blasted titanium and steel, but one version features 18k rose gold accents; while both close off with a solid case back that’s been stamped with the “Automobile Club de Monaco” insignia, which also bears engravings that read “LIMITED EDITION” and the unique number of every individually crafted timepiece.

Image courtesy of: Chopard

Mounted to these cases is a fixed bezel with a blue insert that features a tachymeter scale, which can be used for calculating average race times. It also comes equipped chronograph pushers that have been shaped like engine pistons, while the setting-crown has a racecar steering-wheel engraved on to it. All topped by a sapphire crystal that assists with water-resistance on this watch reaching up to 100 meters (330 feet).

Image courtesy of: Chopard

On both versions time is exhibited on a snailed silver-toned dial with arrow-shaped hour index markers that feature blue highlighted Arabic numerals for every-minute increment; while a blue ring circles around with smaller white printed minute index markers; followed by a silver-toned flange with small blue index markers and orange out-lined squares for every five-minute increment.

Image courtesy of: Chopard

There are three sub-dials: a blue 12-hour counter at the 6 o’clock position; a white sub-seconds at the 9 o’clock position and a 30-minute counter at the 12 o’clock position. The two blue sub-dials have orange hands, which match the orange arrow tip on the central chronograph hand and other scattered orange elements.

Image courtesy of: Chopard

The oversized central hands and arrow hour index markers have been filled with a luminescent coating, for an enhanced legibility. There is also a date aperture at the 3 o’clock position in-between the “CHOPARD” and “CRONOMETER” inscriptions, on a blue banner that reads “MONACO HISTORIQUE”.

Image courtesy of: Chopard

Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2018 Race Edition

The “Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2018 Race Edition” (References below) is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, ETA caliber with 24 jewels and 28,800 Vph. Power reserve on this watch can last up to 46 hours, when fully wound.

Mounted to the watch is a blue racing-themed perforated Barenia calfskin leather strap with exposed contrasting orange, while secured to the wrist by a deployant buckle.

It also includes an additional NATO strap with a matching color-schemed, secured to the wrist by a pin-buckle.

This is a limited edition of 250 manufactured pieces in beaded blasted titanium and steel, while the version with 18k rose gold accent is limited to only 100 manufactured pieces. For more up to date information please visit the official Chopard website here.

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